Calumet Coordinaor

Calumet Coordinator

SUMMARY
The Wetlands Initiative (TWI) is hiring a new full-time Calumet Coordinator to assist with 
conducting wetland restoration projects in the Calumet Region. The Calumet Coordinator will be 
managed by the Calumet Program Manager and will assist and support them in our expanding portfolio of work in the region, supporting both current projects and new ones being developed by TWI and its collaborators.

Covering Chicago’s Southeast Side and Northwest Indiana, the Calumet was once one of the most 
biologically diverse wetland areas in North America. Now it is a patchwork of degraded remnants; 
many of them still support some biological diversity, but no longer provide the same wetland 
functions due to generations of industrial, commercial, and residential development. For decades, 
the Calumet has loomed large as an area with tremendous potential for ecological restoration and 
for connecting diverse communities with quality natural open space. TWI is playing a central role 
in a new wave of Calumet wetland restorations in both Illinois and Indiana. These collaborative 
projects involve multiple partners and various combinations of restricted grant funding and are at 
various stages of development.

DUTIES AND TASKS:
•     Schedule and participate in project meetings with collaborating organizations and agencies.
•     Facilitate and assist TWI technical staff in implementing project-specific restoration and 
science objectives, including invasive species management, establishing native plant communities, 
and hydrologic restoration efforts.
•     Facilitate and participate in TWI's outreach and engagement with diverse Calumet communities, 
which may include volunteer restoration events.
•     Track and report progress toward project outcomes.
•     Obtain and track permits, site access, agreements, and various compliance documents, and 
maintain project files and records.
•     Assist in developing and managing relationships with partners, agency personnel, governmental 
officials, and others as appropriate.
•     Assist with site assessments, surveys, and mapping.
•     Assist with habitat monitoring.
•     Other project-related tasks as they arise.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND ATTRIBUTES:
•     Bachelor's degree required.
•     1-3 years’ work experience at a natural resource, open space, environmental or conservation 
agency, organization, or company.
•     A self-starter who can successfully work independently with a shifting cast of project team
members both within and outside of TWI.

•     Proven ability to track project progress, manage expenses, and oversee workflows for several 
projects concurrently, with a keen eye for detail.
•     Solid communications skills both in person and in writing.
•     Experience with office software including word processing, spreadsheet, and database 
programs.
•     Ability to work outside under adverse weather conditions.
•     Personal or professional history in the Calumet Region preferred.
•     Familiarity with or a desire to learn about ecological restoration and about plant 
identification in the field.
•     Experience with public speaking/presenting.
•     Current driver's license.

Location: TWI has a flexible or “hybrid” working policy with the amount of office time varying 
based on the specific responsibilities of each position. This position will require a mix of time 
in the Calumet Region and at the organizational offices in Chicago; applicants should expect to be 
in the office at least three days per week.

A Calumet Region map can be viewed here: 
http://www.fieldmuseum.org/science/research/area/science-action-chicago/calumet

Application deadline: May 31, 2024
HOW TO APPLY:
Send a resume, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references, by May 31, 
2024, via email to jobs@wetlands-initiative.org. No phone calls.

Applications will be reviewed as they arrive. Candidates being considered will be invited for one 
or more virtual personal interviews. The starting salary range is from $45,000 to $50,000, 
commensurate with experience. This is a full-time position with benefits which include health and 
dental insurance, 403(b) retirement plan with employer match, paid vacation, holidays and sick 
time, and short-term disability insurance.
The Wetlands Initiative is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer which does not 
discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, gender 
identification, age, veteran status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, or marital status. 
Diversity of all kinds is a core value that we are actively pursuing.
www.wetlands-initiative.org